You might still be catching your breath after an exhilarating round of the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals, where Ronwen Williams made four penalty saves and Ivory Coast triumphed over Mali in a clutch performance.Fast forward to Wednesday, however, and the card for who makes it to Sunday’s final of what will go down to be the most exciting AFCON edition will be known in the day’s pair of semifinals.Full concentration. 💯The final 4 are putting in the final touches ahead of the #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 semis! 🏃♂️ pic.twitter.com/9V3S2PmkJd— CAF (@CAF_Online) February 6, 2024 Ivory Coast vs DR CongoFranck Kessie’s evaluation of “a ghost cannot be afraid” best describes the run the hosts have made in their tournament, as they now, after suffering a condemning 4-0 loss to Equatorial Guinea in their last group game that put them on the brink of elimination, face the prospect of slaying another unbeaten opponent, though with the added advantage of playing in front of their fans at Alassane Ouattara Stadium.What will bug them, however, will be doing it without the services of the suspended quartet of Odilon Kossounou, Serge Aurier, Christian Kouame, and Oumar Diakite.##NAJAVA_MECA_7855893##Côte d’Ivoire have faced DR Congo five times previously at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (W2 D2 L1); this is their first encounter since a 2-2 draw in the 2017 group stages.The only previous meeting between Côte d’Ivoire and DR Congo was at the semi-final stage in 2015; the Elephants won 3-1 and went on to win the trophy that year.What stands out, other than the 10-6 advantage the hosts hold in semifinal appearances at the AFCON, is that DR Congo’s two titles have come by beating the hosts in the semis (vs. Ethiopia in 1968 and Egypt in 1974).The exciting matchup ends the day at 2300 EAT.AFCON 2023: DR Congo ready to rectify early stumbles, eyes victory against Ivory Coast in semifinalSouth Africa vs NigeriaBetween both nations, there are lots of deeper rivalries, whether in music or politics, but also one of the most frequent meet-ups at the AFCON.Wednesday evening’s 2000 EAT kickoff will be the fourth encounter between Nigeria and South Africa at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations, with the Super Eagles winning the previous three by an aggregate score of 8-1.Nigeria and South Africa last met in the semi-finals of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations in 2000, with the Super Eagles running out 2-0 winners thanks to a brace from Tijani Babangida.With both teams carrying the identical record of only one loss thus far, perhaps not surprising will be which defense blinks first, as both sides haven’t conceded a goal in their last four matches.The ultimate defenders. 🔐🧤5️⃣ Games4️⃣ Clean sheetsWho will keep the net safe & sound in this clash? 🇳🇬🇿🇦#TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 pic.twitter.com/6QFezxcX8x— CAF (@CAF_Online) February 6, 2024 “For many, Nigeria are the favorite to win but it’s not always the case in football. We are confident and motivated to try and ensure it doesn’t happen, and South Africa will play in the final for the first time in 20 years,” 71-year-old Hugo Broos said in his pre-match interview.With revenge from 2000 on Bafana Bafana’s minds, an exciting clash—with a fit Victor Osimhen – is due at Stade de la Paix, Bouake.AFCON 2023 – SemifinalsWednesday20:00: (1.65) Nigeria (3.50) S.Africa (6.25)23:00: (2.20) Ivory Coast (3.15) Dr Congo (3.60)***odds are subject to change***
